Has anyone had or plan go have cocktail reception?

kitad05

I'm considering this option because of space constraints i have a 195 guest list but only have 145 chairs. I planned to order more chairs but the space will be very tight and there won't be a dance floor. If I do the cocktail reception, I will only do seating for 80 guests ( with 4 pinic tables on the deck) with extra tables. My menu will include passed hordourves and sationery fruit, veggie, and cheese trays for and hour along with an open bar. For the actual reception: I will have food such as fried catfish, sandwich trays, coconut shrimp, crawfish étouffée in phyllo cups, chicken stuffed tomaotoes, boudin balls, spinach artichoke dip, andfried drummettes. And of course, cake!

Thoughts ladies?

thedivav

i am a bit confused 

are you talking about a cocktail hour? 

or in lieu of a seated dinner reception you are thinking of having a cocktail reception 

with finger food 

kitad05

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_has-anyone-had-or-plan-go-have-cocktail-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:a4edcc6c-fbee-4222-a79d-9f0069a28896Post:e54a448d-d47a-45ea-a034-6ae5baf3c431">Re: Has anyone had or plan go have cocktail reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]i am a bit confused  are you talking about a cocktail hour?  or in lieu of a seated dinner reception you are thinking of having a cocktail reception  with finger food 
Posted by thedivav[/QUOTE]



I apologize for not being clear. The original plan was to have a buffet with pasta, etc. now the idea is to have a "cocktail reception" , basically an extended cocktail hour. The food will be of the type that does not require a fork.

aquari0216

are you saying doing the reception with just the passed hors deouvres? Im just a bit confused but if so,  Ive heard it done but with your spacing im not certain ....however, im always one for saving money

thedivav

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_has-anyone-had-or-plan-go-have-cocktail-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:400Discussion:a4edcc6c-fbee-4222-a79d-9f0069a28896Post:ff5eda32-bb38-4418-9e95-78519faab59b">Re: Has anyone had or plan go have cocktail reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Has anyone had or plan go have cocktail reception? : I apologize for not being clear. The original plan was to have a buffet with pasta, etc. now the idea is to have a "cocktail reception" , basically an extended cocktail hour. The food will be of the type that does not require a fork.
Posted by kitad05[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>ooh ok got ya </div><div>i dont see any thing wrong with it </div><div>you might want to spread the word to your guest to wear comfy shoes if the majority of them will be standing </div><div>

</div>

nursing2u

yeah. I think that a cocktail reception is nice.. BUT.. I know that people still want to be able to sit.. So if you are only going to supply 80 chairs.. that will be 115 people standing.. and I think it depends on your guest list and definitely spread the word on comfy shoes..

But I do have to say... with the menu u said for your sit down reception .. I would LOVE  to have that food..

Do the guest already know the menu..

M1ssJ

Agree with PP. 7 hours in heels would be my worry. and at some point everyone is going to want to sit.

kitad05

Thanks for all your input, Ladies. I am meeting with the caterer on Thursday and I plan to hash out the menu. 

You ladies are right for pointing out that everyone will won't to sit at some point so I think the cocktal-style reception is out.  Instead, we are just going to be very cramped for space. I'm then going to remove a few tables to make room for the dance floor. I'll be sure to place people who I know will dance at those tables and keep the chairs on the perimeter of the room.  #UGH this is my only issue left and it is a major one indeed.